Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer: Treasure Ship (VIDEO BLOG)

It’s no coincidence that Ulysse Nardin chose the nautical anchor as its corporate icon.

As a longtime supplier of the world’s finest mechanical marine chronometers, the watchmaker from Le Locle built its name on precision instruments. That heritage is immortalized and celebrated and in the 18-karat rose gold Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer 266-66 wristwatch.

Despite its contemporary 41mm case size, the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer is built in the image of its historic forebears. A dial with lacquered black base and applied Arabic numerals is the star of the show. With a small bezel-to-dial ratio, the watch reads much larger than its nominal size. A power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock is true to history, and it adds a useful complication to the package.

At six o’clock a traditional small seconds subdial recalls the old 50-60mm Ulysse Nardin deck chronometers, but an integrated date window offers a modern convenience unknown to old-time mariners. Below the dial beats a UN-26 automatic caliber derived from the thin and fine ETA 2892-A2 in top-of-the-line Chronometer specification.

More than an homage, the Marine Chronometer is a true COSC Swiss Chronometer that meets and exceeds the accuracy of historic timepieces. Each Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer is certified as such by Timelab, official agent of the COSC evaluation. The 15-day trial tests the watch for accuracy and isochronism in five positions and at three temperatures. A maximum 24-hour deviation of -4/+6 seconds is permitted for certified timepieces.

Exterior features of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer include a rich rose gold case, a matching bezel with coined edges (ridges), and an individual numbering plate at 9 o’clock (again, true to history).

The black alligator strap is fixed to the broad shoulders of the lugs via individual mounting screws. This system is more elaborate, more traditional, more costly, and – most importantly – more secure than the spring pins used by virtually every other brand in high horology. Ulysse Nardin’s choice of a thick-cut black alligator strap compounds the impression of substance and creates a stunning effect when viewed against the warmth of the rose gold lugs.

See this Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer and original Ulysse Nardin factory accessories in high-resolution images on www.watchuwant.com.